A British F-35B stealth fighter jet that remained grounded for over a month at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala has finally taken off after successful repairs.
The aircraft, among the most modern in the world and valued at around $115 million, encountered technical issues in mid-June, forcing it to make an unplanned landing in southern India.
The jet was on a standard mission over the Arabian Sea when bad weather prevented it from returning to the HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s lead aircraft carrier.
It diverted and landed safely in Thiruvananthapuram on June 14. Officials later revealed that the jet had hydraulic and auxiliary power unit problems that needed attention.
A team of British engineers arrived in India and worked for weeks to resolve the issues.
The aircraft was cleared for takeoff and is now en route to rejoin its fleet aboard a British aircraft carrier stationed in Darwin, Australia.
The unexpected stay of the high-tech military jet gained wide attention online. Social media in India was filled with AI-generated memes and playful cartoons.
One post from Kerala’s tourism department featured the jet on a runway lined with coconut trees and described it humorously as enjoying its time in the region.
Another cartoon depicted the jet having local snacks with residents in a picturesque setting.
Despite some local speculation that the jet might have to be dismantled and flown out by cargo plane, British defense officials had earlier stated that repairs were underway and that the aircraft would fly out once fixed.